Best Of
10 Best Metroidvania Games on Xbox Game Pass (June 2025)

The Metroidvania game genre has brought us some of the most memorable and immersive gaming experiences over the years. It perfectly blends intricate world design, challenging combat, and a deep sense of exploration. These games captivate players with their interconnected worlds, rewarding progression systems, and the thrill of uncovering secrets.
Now, as the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the allure of Metroidvania titles remains strong. Now, these games are more refined than ever, with expanded content, improved mechanics, and new adventures to discover. Here are the 10 best Metroidvania games on Xbox Game Pass in June 2025.
10. Monster Sanctuary
Monster Sanctuary stands out because of its unique combination of Metroidvania exploration and creature collection. What truly makes it interesting is the battle system, which is deeply tactical. Instead of focusing solely on traditional combat, the game allows players to capture and train a diverse range of monsters. Now, each monster has its own set of abilities, and strategically selecting and positioning them in battle is key to success. As players explore the world and unlock new creatures, they can experiment with different team setups. This makes every encounter feel fresh and provides immense replay value.
9. SteamWorld Dig 2
What makes SteamWorld Dig 2 stand out is its innovative and satisfying digging mechanic. Unlike many Metroidvanias that rely on traditional platforming, SteamWorld Dig 2 emphasizes digging as a core part of gameplay. The physics of digging through dirt and rock feels incredibly satisfying, as the world reacts realistically to your actions. As you dig deeper into the earth, you’ll uncover hidden treasures, valuable resources, and secret paths. The use of digging as both an exploration tool and a combat strategy gives SteamWorld Dig 2 its own unique charm.
8. Death's Door
Death's Door stands out because of its unique world-building. Set in a place where the dead reside, the game features beautiful, eerie environments that perfectly match its dark mood. As you explore, each area feels like an adventure, with new challenges or story pieces hiding around every corner. What makes this game interesting is how the world itself feels alive, almost like a character in the story. The different locations are linked together, and the dark design keeps you curious about what’s next. Overall, the game’s atmosphere makes exploring it a rewarding experience.
7. Ori and the Will of the Wisps- Metroidvania Game
Ori and the Will of the Wisps shines because it mixes smooth platforming with a powerful, emotional story. The game follows Ori’s journey to save their world, and the emotional twists will keep you invested. What makes it special is that it’s not just about jumping and running; it's about connecting with the characters and their world. The deep emotional storytelling adds something extra to the game, making it stand out in a genre where gameplay often takes the focus over narrative.
6. TUNIC
TUNIC offers a unique take on puzzles and exploration. Unlike many other games, TUNIC doesn’t hold you by the hand. Instead, it lets players figure things out for themselves. Surprisingly, the game doesn’t give you an instruction manual, but it scatters pieces of an ancient language and clues throughout the world. That means, as players explore, they slowly piece together these fragments to unlock new abilities and secrets. Ultimately, the fun comes from the journey of discovering how everything works.
5. ReCore
ReCore sets itself apart with a cool robot companion system. What makes this stand out is the ability for players to switch between different robots to solve puzzles and face challenges. Additionally, the bond you form with these robots feels emotional, and the combat becomes more strategic as you use each robot’s unique skills. This system adds something new to the typical Metroidvania game-play, making ReCore feel fresh and exciting.
4. Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition
Hollow Knight is known for its tough but rewarding combat. The game’s combat system is deep, requiring you to be precise with your timing and movements. Boss battles are especially intense and offer a real challenge, but they feel rewarding when you finally defeat them. What makes Hollow Knight interesting is how every victory feels earned. The combat mechanics are challenging, but they also keep you coming back for more, offering a perfect balance between difficulty and satisfaction.
3. Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
Ori and the Blind Forest stands out for its smooth, fun platforming. Ori’s movement, including jumping, climbing, dashing, and wall-jumping, is incredibly responsive and makes each platforming challenge a joy, much like a Metroidvania Game. In addition, the game’s world is designed to test your skills. The game features increasingly complex jumps and dashes that make you feel like an expert at movement as you progress. It's amazing how every area in the game is like a beautiful puzzle, waiting to be solved.
2. Blasphemous 2
Blasphemous 2 grabs your attention with its dark, gothic art and creepy religious themes. The game takes place in Cvstodia, a strange world full of bizarre creatures and powerful bosses. Additionally, the graphics are stunning, using pixel art to create a world that's both eerie and beautiful at the same time.
As players explore, they’ll face tough enemies that test their combat skills, making every victory feel earned. The bosses are especially challenging, requiring players to be quick and smart. The story is full of mystery and symbolism, keeping players curious about what’s going on. Blasphemous 2 blends exciting action with a gripping, dark tale, making it a unique and unforgettable adventure.
1. Dead Cells
Dead Cells is unique because of its procedural generation and rogue-like features. Unlike most Metroidvania games, where the world is fixed, Dead Cells creates new areas every time you play. This randomness makes each playthrough feel fresh and unpredictable, ensuring that no two runs are ever quite the same. Players are constantly encountering new paths to explore, unexpected enemy encounters, and a variety of environmental challenges that keep them on their toes. The game’s dynamic design not only tests your reflexes but also rewards adaptability and strategic thinking. As you progress, you unlock a wide range of abilities, weapons, and power-ups, each with unique playstyles and effects that can drastically change how you approach the game.